Eddie smiled when Steve opened his car door to help him out. He didn’t really need it, but it was nice to be doted on. Steve always made Eddie feel safe and loved.

But Steve was the exception, not the rule and as much as Eddie trusted him… his omega were still terrified of alphas. That wasn't Steve's fault, not even after the whole "omega drop" situation from a few months ago. There was no doubt in his mind that one day they’d be wearing each other’s bite.

Even when they shared Eddie's heat, Steve was the perfect gentleman. He tied himself to Eddie's headboard and let the omega take the lead. Even though they both knew he could break the ties, Steve never did; reassuring Eddie over and over that he'd do anything for him.

With Steve's rut a few weeks away, Eddie wanted to show him that he felt the same. But no matter how hard he tried, Eddie’s crippling fear of alphas wouldn’t disappear. There was a part of him waiting for the day Steve lost control and he hated himself for it.

Steve, wonderful Steve, didn’t blame him for it and never took it personally. In fact, he helped Eddie find an omega therapist that would help him work through his fear safely without re-traumatizing himself.

Which was what brought them here: a specialty muzzle store.

Eddie stared at the wall display with pursed lips. Several items jumped out at him, but over and over he dismissed them. Too wide, too narrow, too spiky. Who would force someone to wear an iron maiden on their face?

"What about this one?" Eddie asked, picking up a metal cage-like one. The face opening was lined with gray foam for the alpha's comfort, and the straps looked decently soft.

Steve took it with pursed lips, turning it over and over in his hands. He ran his fingers over the corners with a grimace.

"The edges are too sharp. I’d hate to hurt you," Steve said handing it back. Eddie smiled softly as he returned the muzzle to its place. Of course Steve would worry about Eddie's comfort, when he was the one who had to wear the stupid thing.

“This one?” Steve asked. It was fleece wrapped on the outside, but the inside was wood.

“It shouldn’t hurt you either,” Eddie chastised. Pushing the item aside, Eddie pulled Steve in close and kissed him softly. “Let's find one that works for both of us.”

Together they scoured the store until they found the perfect one. It had a metal structure, but the mouth opening was soft and leathery. The outside was soft and plush foam, almost like a pillow. When Eddie rammed it into the side of his face, he barely flinched.

“I won’t be head butting you,” Steve laughed.

“Well, now you can!” Eddie exclaimed with a goofy grin. It softened as they walked to the check out. “Thank you for doing this, sweetheart.”

“Of course, baby. Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you,” Steve replied with a shrug.

“Hopefully, one day you won’t need it. I know it’s bothersome,” He tried to hide his anxiety, but his blood orange scent soured, giving him away.

Steve pulled Eddie back into his arms and gently grabbed his chin; not hard enough to force him, just enough to suggest he make eye contact. What he saw there settled the static in his head.

“It’s not a bother. There is nothing you could do that would make me leave you, even if I have to wear this thing forever,” Steve vowed waving the muzzle around. “I love you, you’re just gonna have to get used to it.”

Eddie’s cheeks heated and he yanked a piece of hair in front of his mouth to hide his giddy smile. It still filled him with butterflies when Steve said those three words to him.

“I love you, too.” Eddie grinned.